Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb)
If there’s one dish that can bring the comfort of a Mexican fiesta right into your kitchen, it’s a Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb). This dish is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas, packed with ground beef, melty cheese, and all the flavors you adore, but without the carb overload. Perfect for family meals, gatherings, or a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will transform your dinner routine.
The Upside of Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb)
This Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb) is not just delicious; it’s also a fantastic choice for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying hearty meals. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and savory enchilada sauce creates layers of flavor that are simply irresistible. Plus, it’s an easy one-dish meal that saves you time on cleanup. What’s not to love?
Gather These Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (10-oz) can enchilada sauce
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes and diced green chiles, undrained
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Make sure all your ingredients are ready to go before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process!
Before You Start: Equipment
Here’s a quick list of equipment you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole:
- Large skillet – for browning the beef
- Mixing bowl – to combine the cream cheese and seasonings
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect for layering your casserole
- Spatula – for mixing and spreading
- Oven – to bake the casserole to bubbly perfection
Having everything at hand will make the cooking process a breeze!
Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb), Made Easy
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making your Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb).
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in 1/2 cup of water. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the beef absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with half of the shredded cheese blend. Stir until smooth and creamy. This cheesy mixture will add richness to the casserole.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering your casserole. Begin with a layer of tortillas, followed by half of the seasoned beef, half of the cream cheese mixture, and a third of the enchilada sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of tortillas topped with the remaining enchilada sauce and the rest of the shredded cheese blend.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, let your Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb) sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
Looking to switch things up? Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Use low-carb tortillas or zucchini slices for a lighter, veggie-packed version.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the beef mixture.
- Incorporate black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients to make this casserole your own!
What Not to Do
To ensure your Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb) turns out perfectly, avoid the following pitfalls:
- Don’t overcook the beef; it should be browned but not dry.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef for a cleaner taste.
- Avoid using too much sauce; it can make the casserole soggy.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps with serving.
By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll have a casserole that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
This Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb) is perfect for meal prepping and can easily be made ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
- You can also freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- If you have leftover casserole, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
With these strategies, you can enjoy this tasty meal whenever the craving strikes!
Popular Questions
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, guacamole, or sour cream. You could also serve it with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends or use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for a flavor twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Serve with These
To create a well-rounded meal, consider serving your Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb) with:
These sides will complement the flavors of your casserole beautifully.
That’s a Wrap
The Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb) is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With its rich layers of beef, cheese, and sauce, this casserole is bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
So why not gather your ingredients and whip up this delightful meal today? It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary adventure and bon appétit!
Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole (Low-Carb)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Brown the Beef - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add Seasonings - Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in 1/2 cup of water. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese - In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with half of the shredded cheese blend. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Layer the Ingredients - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, start layering your casserole with tortillas, seasoned beef, cream cheese mixture, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, enchilada sauce, and remaining cheese blend.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 6: Let it Rest - Once out of the oven, let your casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
- Freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months; thaw before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
